Chevening is looking for individuals with strong professional relationship building skills who will engage with the Chevening community and influence and lead others in their chosen profession Please explain how you build and maintain relationships in a p

Relationship building is the most foundational aspect of personal and career growth. As the African Proverb, “Motho ke motho ka batho ba bang” (We are nothing without one another”) or as it may formally be known “Ubuntu” suggests, we can only grow if we build together and that is why it is a personal goal for me to continue my strong track record of building strong and long-lasting personal and professional relationships.

A recent example of this would be with regard to my current mentor and business associate Mr. Ramdas who is a business leader and global professional. We were connected through our links with American-based technology accelerator Newchip, which has helped raise well over $100M for startups globally. I was the only African founder selected in my cohort for 2022. Through frequent virtual communication, due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, we have established a strong professional bond that has seen my startup get funded by Google, ABInBev, IDF Capital & RMI (Rand Merchant Investments). Our relationship has seen me become a leading figure in the South African last-mile delivery industry alongside other notable startups like Uber-Eats.

Social media as an avenue to the world’s widest network of professionals has provided an interesting platform for me to express my leadership experience to the world. As a result I have gained a substantial following on platforms such as LinkedIn where I engage with my over 2000 followers who work mostly in the finance, investments, technology, energy and management consulting industry. I frequently get invited to give talks and interviews at technology seminars such as the Empire Partner Foundation Tech Hack. I frequently give speeches at secondary schools where I inspire younger children in their late teenage years to strive to achieve their best potential daily through education and working to lead those around them. These secondary schools are in both urban and rural areas such as Kaalfontein in Midrand where I most recently gave a speech on the talk on my journey of starting Mapha, the impact technology is making in my industry and what technology-focused careers the learners could pursue.

I plan to frequently engage with my Chevening scholar community by attending all the events hosted by Chevening. In addition, I am aware of the long-lasting relationships that will be built amongst those of my cohort and upon my return to South Africa, I plan to continue to nurture these personal & professional relationships by growing the Chevening community to allow for talented, smart & driven leaders to join us on our journey to make Africa the fastest growing global economy by 2035.